Emergency help needed to heat homes on Pine Ridge Reservation

Dec. 24, 2009, more than 36 inches of snow fell on the poorest of people in the United States—the people of Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. The winds created blizzard conditions. More than 1,000 were in need of food and propane. Elders in need of dialysis could not be reached to be taken 90 miles to the nearest hospital for treatment.

The Native American Awareness Committee in Rockford is collecting clothing and non-perishable foods to be sent to Pine Ridge Reservation. At the moment, the tentative collection site is Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Third Avenue and Sixth Street. You may call (815) 298-5299 for help getting the items to Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Items should be clean and mended. No clothing advertising liquor or drugs will be accepted.

If you want to help financially, you may call the Lakota Plains Propane Company at (605) 867-5199 or (605) 455-1188 and directly pay for someone’s propane delivery. There is a $120 minimum for a propane delivery.

An emergency assistance fund has also been set up by the tribe that will be used exclusively for heating costs—electric, propane, fuel oil and firewood. Donations in any amount can be sent to: Dean Patton, Treasurer, Oglala Sioux Tribe, P.O. Box 2070, Pine Ridge, SD 57770.

Unfortunately, according to a press release issued by the Oglala Sioux Tribe, there have been scammers soliciting donation on the Internet, claiming to be raising money for Pine Ridge Reservation. So if you want to help, please be sure to do it via one of the ways above.